Photos and Text by Jeffrey A. Rendall
(THIS PAGE MAY TAKE SOME TIME TO LOAD IF YOU HAVE A LOW-SPEED INTERNET CONNECTION)

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD -- We all agree that value is a fleeting concept. Simply put, you sometimes shell out big bucks and don't get your money's worth; and other times you'll pay bargain prices, and still feel cheated.  That's why it's refreshing when you pay good money, and leave satisfied. It's the feeling you'll get at Bulle Rock, in Havre De Grace, Maryland.

Bulle Rock is a Pete Dye layout that provides all the fight you'd expect from a course named after a thoroughbred. The land is spectacular, with quite a lot of variation in topography and vegetation.  Some holes are wide open; some are tight and tree lined; some skirt streams and ponds; and a few call for ravine avoidance. It's the complete package -- and you'll get yardage for your money, too. It stretches to 7375 yards from the back tees and a slope of 147 (three other sets bring it down to size for the rest of us).

More than one publication has hinted that Bulle Rock's special enough to host a major tournament someday. Sounds realistic to me -- it's even got the requisite closing hole dramatic potential. In our made for TV world, that can't be discounted.

Dye reportedly said, "I did not undo God's work at Bulle Rock." We thank him for that.  Here are some of the sights you'll see:

The 478 yard (par four) 9th hole is a difficult challenge in broad daylight. At dawn, it's even tougher.

Even at 572 yards, the downhill par five 2nd is reachable for long hitters -- that is, if you can focus beyond the hole's stunning beauty.

Shadows obscure the par three 3rd hole's green. But your golf ball will see plenty of trouble if you're left of the putting surface.

Looking from the dry side of the par three 12th - if you're slightly right of the putting surface, you're wet.

Greenside at the short par four 14th hole (372 yards) - a good chance for birdie if you're precise with your short irons.

The 194 yard 17th hole is rated easiest on the course, but the green will test you once you reach it.

Glancing across at the 18th green, you'll see the clubhouse just up the slope. It would look really nice closing out a major championship.